The New Jersey Devils are investing a lot of money in a banged-up player, hoping he’s healthy enough to provide a good return when he makes a move over the river.
Ryane Clowe and the Devils have agreed to a $24.25 million, five-year contract, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke Friday to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the agreement had not yet been announced.
The New York Rangers acquired Clowe in April from San Jose and he had three goals and five assist over 12 games during the shortened regular season. He was limited to just two playoff games with New York because a suspected concussion. Former Rangers coach John Tortorella said Clowe was New York’s version of Bruins hard-hitter forward Milan Lucic.
The 30-year-old Clowe has 104 goals and 279 points in his career. Two years ago, he had career highs with 24 goals and 62 points.
New Jersey also made a significant signing Thursday, keeping forward Patrik Elias with a three-year, $16.5 million contract one day before he was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent. Elias has spent his entire 15-year career with the Devils, leading the franchise with 375 goals, 555 assists and 930 points. The Devils also re-signed veteran forward Dainius Zubrus to a three-year, $9.3 million contract.